Our Team

Deena Bell LLewellyn, ASLA

FLASLA President 2017-2018

FLASLA President Elect 2016-2017

Mrs. Deena Bell Llewellyn was born February 25, 1968 in Gainesville, Georgia, a charming historic community in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains of Northeast Georgia. Her love of nature and the outdoors was realized at an early age. A large portion of her childhood was spent enjoying water activities on Lake Lanier in her neighborhood: Fishing, swimming, skiing, boating, walking nature trails, hiking to waterfalls, and painting mountain landscapes were her favorite pastimes. An interest in art, architecture, and stewardship of the environment influenced Deena to pursue a degree in Landscape Architecture from the School of Environment and Design at the University of Georgia in Athens, Georgia. After participating in a rigorous five year program under Dean Darryl Morrison, Deena graduated Magna Cum Laude in the spring of 1991.

After college graduation in 1991, Deena moved to Miami, Florida where the possibilities of practicing Landscape Architecture in an exciting and vibrant tropical environment were irresistible. Deena began her professional career in 1991 as a young and enthusiastic designer with the firm Susan Hall and Associates, Landscape Architects in Coral Gables, Florida. In 1996, Deena earned her professional license as a registered Landscape Architect in the State of Florida, and ambitiously became a partner in the firm. Deena became a pioneer of the green building movement in South Florida, and earned the designation of LEED AP in 2009.

After twenty one years of rewarding collaboration in partnership with Susan Hall, and later Lewis Aqui, Deena launched her own firm ‘Bell Landscape Architecture’ (Bell-la) in October of 2012. After achieving many years of design and construction experience, Deena is excited to team up with her husband Mr. Charles A. Llewellyn of ‘Frontier Improvements Inc.’ (CBC 1259128) to offer not only expert design services, but also professional in-house construction management services. By forming this new collaboration, Deena’s exquisite design work can be implemented seamlessly beginning with the initial concept, through to building department permitting, and terminating with the final construction inspections. This design-build collaboration will offer clients a full service option for their projects, making ‘Bell Landscape Architecture, Inc.’ the preferred firm to choose for any project that deserves an integrated scope of services.

When Deena is not designing, painting, or traveling, she enjoys participating in philanthropic endeavors and volunteering for community service projects with the Rotary Club of Coral Gables, where she is on the board of directors; or with Citizens for a Better South Florida, where she is an advisory board member. She is an active member of the Dade Heritage Trust, and the American Society of Landscape Architects, and is a member of the United States Green Building Council. Deena attends the Church of the Little Flower in Coral Gables, Florida where she resides with her husband and menagerie of pets. Deena is a tireless volunteer around the Coral Gables Community who understands that giving back to the less fortunate through service is an important part of the human journey.

Charles A. Llewellyn

President, Frontier Improvements – Construction Manager, CBC 1259128

Charles worked in the telecommunications and building contracting industries in his home state of Texas, Georgia, and Nevada before relocating to Miami, Florida in 2008 to join forces with his wife, Deena. Charles has three decades of experience working with various different trades of construction and has mastered the technique of translating the architect or designer’s concept into built reality. Roles he plays in the firm include budgeting, permit expediting, bid solicitation, and site construction coordination. Charles serves as a valuable team member, as he is key in taking the landscape architect’s vision from paper to construction and follows through to final acceptance.

Jose D. Fonseca, ASLA | MLA

Project Manager | Lead Designer

FLASLA Miami Section Chair 2015-2017

FLAA Leadership Committee

Jose was first introduced to Landscape Architecture in 2008 while working on his undergraduate architectural degree. Having a great love for the outdoors, the thought of designing exterior spaces and landscapes intrigued him. He made the switch over to Landscape Architecture and is passionate in delivering designs that will create meaningful experiences to its users. Jose graduated with his Masters Degree in Landscape Architecture from Florida International University in 2011 while taking on study abroad programs in Barcelona, Spain and basing his thesis project in Panama City, Panama. Indulging in extensive research and analysis have prepared him in the developmental phases of design. Gaining experience in local Landscape and specialized 3D architectural rendering firms has shown his ability to manage a project from its schematic design through construction documentation and permitting phases. Jose’s project management skills, strong design knowledge and graphics have made him a perfect fit for our firm.

In 2014, Jose began to involve himself with the Florida State Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects by becoming the graphic’s chair for the 2014 State Conference in Ocean Reef, Key Largo. He took on the responsibility of designing and preparing all of the graphic design work for the conference, such as the program/brochure, banners, signs, maps, etc. In 2015, Jose took a leadership role becoming the Miami section chair serving the South Florida Region of the state chapter. There he kept the local chapter involved by organizing events and socials that informed members of the current status of the organization and of the future opportunities FLASLA provided. In 2016, he became involved in a start up program named Future Landscape Architects of America (FLAA), and joined their Leadership Committee. FLAA is a non-profit organization focused on educating K-12 students about the career field of landscape architecture. Jose has visited several schools in the state of Florida and has given presentations to various age groups explaining our profession and its importance. He loves working with kids and this organization and hopes to create future landscape architects with the help of FLAA.

Part of the Bell-LA team since 2012.

Chris Garcia, Associate ASLA

Landscape Designer

Chris was born and raised in Miami, FL. Surrounded by south Florida’s tropical environment and architecture, Chris developed an interest in spatial design at an early age. This led him to pursue an education in Landscape Architecture. During his education, he acquired the skills and knowledge to create and design outdoor spaces. His time here at Bell Landscape Architecture has been essential in helping complete our projects from initial design sketches to a finished constructed project. His eagerness to take on more responsibility has made him an essential part of the team as he also serves as our permit expediter.

Part of the Bell-LA team since 2014.

Kevin Arrieta, Associate ASLA

Landscape Designer

FLASLA Student Chapter President 2016-2017

Kevin Arrieta, born and raised in Miami,Fl, joined Bell LA with 3 years of design experience in the South Florida market. Kevin graduated with a Master’s in Landscape Architecture + Environmental Urban Design from Florida International University in 2017. While in school, he was very active with the local ASLA Chapter, constantly working on student leadership, projects for community impact, and being an advocate for Landscape Architecture. His involvement resulted in being the FIU ASLA Student President during his final year of his educational career. Kevin has a proven background in both residential and commercial landscape design, having gained experience working with both architecture and landscape architecture firms locally.

Part of the Bell-LA team since 2017.

Shirley Deutch

Accounts Manager

Shirley Deutch is a self-employed bookkeeper who has been practicing for over 20 years in the Miami area. She is highly organized and well trained, learning valuable skills from several CPA firms in the area. She is a native of Florida and has cultivated a personal relationship with her small but impressive client base. At Bell-La, Shirley is a valuable team member who is in charge of accounts management, client billing, payments, payroll and accounting.